Youngo offenders charged with motor vehicle theft and break and enter offences will continue to face harsher bail conditions for more than one offence.
The NSW Government has extended the bail test which was imposed in April last year, under s22C of the Bail Act 2013. It follows a rise in motor vehicle theft across New South Wales from 2021 in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, until December 2024. These statistics are highlighted by the latest information rom the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).
Sutherland Shire resident Danielle Micallef experienced a break and enter and motor vehicle theft at her home in November, 2024. A group of people allegedly broke into their house whilst they were sleeping and stole the car keys before taking two of the family vehicles.
Still dealing with the aftermath of logistics and insurance, Mrs Micallef said the break-in has made her suffer mentally, on top of the logistics of dealing with insurance companies.
“There is no day that goes by that I don’t think about what happened, my anxiety is at an all time high…the effects of the incident are massive on me,” Mrs Micallef said.
In 2024 alone, there were 1,166 young offenders proceeded against by NSW Police for the offence of motor vehicle theft across New South Wales.
The news to extend bail laws is in an effort to reduce youth crime and minimise young people’s long-term contact with the justice system, the NSW Government said last year in a media statement.
Attorney General Michael Daley said that 22C is a tough test, but that it was necessary.
“We can see this law is working and that’s why we’ve extended it – to make sure we break the cycle of youth offending and strengthen community safety, ” Attorney General Daley said.
BOCSAR has released statistics related to each Local Government Area and the number of incidents which have occurred. The top five ranking towns with the highest number of recorded incidents appear to be in parts of regional NSW, with Moree Plains having the highest recorded number during 2024.
Despite controversy around this amendment and various critical discourse the amendment will be in place for three further years, until April 2028.
